Rising star Irving uses Houston as launch pad

By Angel Verdejo Jr.

February 17, 2013Updated: February 18, 2013 12:41am

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff

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Kyrie Irving experienced few moments over the weekend when he was not the center of attention. One of the infrequent instances came while guarding one of the current star guards - San Antonio's Tony Parker.

Kyrie Irving experienced few moments over the weekend when he was not the center of attention. One of the infrequent instances came while guarding one of the current star guards - San Antonio's Tony Parker.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff

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Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving displays one of the All-Star Game's rare moments of defense with his attempt to corral Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on a drive to the basket.

Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving displays one of the All-Star Game's rare moments of defense with his attempt to corral Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on a drive to the basket.

Photo: James Nielsen, Staff

Rising star Irving uses Houston as launch pad

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Cleveland's newest superstar probably wasn't a household name before the weekend started. But after three jampacked days in Houston for the NBA's All-Star Weekend, 20-year-old Kyrie Irving couldn't have asked for a better coming-out party.

"I do have some surreal moments at times, and it's truly a blessing and really an honor to be recognized as one of the great players in this league now," said Irving, the seventh player to appear in an NBA All-Star Game before his 21st birthday.

This time two years ago, Irving was nursing an injury that cost him all but 11 games of his only season at Duke. Now, the first overall pick in 2011 helped usher in the NBA's latest wave of stars Sunday despite just 93 pro games under his belt.

Youth movement

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He led a group of seven first-time All-Stars playing alongside mainstays in Kevin Garnett (a 15-time All-Star), Kobe Bryant (14), Tim Duncan (14), LeBron James (nine) and Dwyane Wade (nine).

"Now that we have six first-time All-Stars on this Eastern Conference team, that's definitely a testament that the league is changing," Irving said. "Our guys who have dominated the league for so long are getting older, and it's basically time for new blood."

Irving got in during the first quarter but drew the crowd's attention midway through the second. Joakim Noah, with Zach Randolph defending, went out on the perimeter to set a screen on Russell Westbrook. There wasn't a need, as Irving split Randolph and Westbrook, took one more dribble and drove to the basket for a two-handed dunk.

The next time down the floor, Irving found Luol Deng with a bounce pass that split the West defense. He closed the half by throwing an alley oop to Tyson Chandler.

In 24 minutes, Irving finished with 15 points and four assists. He saw the most time of all the East reserves.

Irving's weekend started with the Rising Skills Challenge, which is the league's actual premier event to showcase young talent. The game's most valuable player last year, Irving scored 32 points to go with six assists and six rebounds on Friday.

On Saturday, Irving won the 3-point contest. He scored 18 points in the opening round, then made 17 of his first 18 shots en route to beating San Antonio's Matt Bonner 23-20 in the final.

Irving has thrived in pressure situations. His game-winner against Toronto last month - a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 0.7 seconds remaining - was his fifth.

"Having that mindset to be aggressive and try to make plays for your teammates or myself," he said. "I've always been asked about the pressure in the fourth quarter, but really it just comes natural."

On the upswing

It's only getting better for Irving, asked to become the face of the Cavaliers after James left Cleveland in 2010. The team went 19-63 the next season and won the lottery, which landed Irving.

After a 21-win season, Cleveland is moving in the right direction. Irving, the franchise's first All-Star since James, made sure of it over the weekend.

Respect of predecessor

"He's going to be unbelievable," James said. "He's already unbelievable in this league, first of all. What he's doing right now, what he's going to do in the future, it's going to be crazy.

"With his weekend, he had a great game Friday night, come in here, win the 3-point contest ... it's awesome to have him here. He belongs here."